Rycotewood

[wobblycogs]

Just arrived back from a great day out. Met a couple of the guys from the forum for the first time and chatted to Aled about planes. Will certainly be going again if / when it's on. Would like to see a few more manufacturers there though as it was dominated by LN. I thought the talk on modern furniture / chairs was particularly interesting as I'd never really seen them before if you know what I mean. I'll now always look at those back breaking, stacking plastic chairs in a different light

 

[Steve Maskery]

Yes, excellent. And a big TY to DougB for driving me. Much appreciated.

I've just realised from reading Mike_W's post yesterday that there was a whole room I missed But lots of interesting things to see and people to talk to.

Quote of the day has to go to a rather gorgeous young Swedish lass on the Wetterling stand, who, whilst wielding a LN jack in front of Mr Tom himself, was heard to say, "It doesn't work!". Bless.

Actually I had a rather nice chat with her. It took a bit longer than strictly necessary, perhaps, but hey, it's a job and someone has to do it. Now where was I? Ah yes. The Swedish lass. Julia.

She gave me a very interesting run-down on the history of the company. Started by Mr Wetterling in 18-something, and when he got old he sold it to a mate. He had ideas about new technology, so it is all modern now. In fact, the new technology (a mechanical hammer, 1915) is still in use today.

She is obviously passionate about axes. Now this is remarkable. Not because she is a lass (please, there were enough chips from axes without some from shoulders, too). Nor because she was young and DDG. And not because she was Swedish, which is perhaps less surprising anyway. But because I fail to see how anyone could get excited about an axe. Clearly my education is incomplete. But she is fascinated by them, and IIUIC was head-hunted to her current position in the middle of nowhere in rural Sweden. Now that strikes me as being one lucky lady, doing what you love in idyllic surroundings and getting to see the world (well, Oxford) in the process.

It was an inspirational 10 mins. Or was is half an hour? Doesn't time fly?

I also had excellent conversations with Tom LN, Robert Ingham, David Charlesworth, Ian Styles and several forum members. Edit - and my Boss, Nick Gibbs. Bad form to forget one's boss. Oops. /Edit. But none of them were as DDG. Martin Brown was very rude to me, but I couldn't help laughing anyway, I'll get my own back next time, don't worry. A good chat with Matthew WH and I'm Really Sorry I've Forgotten Your Name with the planes the girls have made.

All in all, Rather Excellent.

See some of you again in France, sorry, I mean Kent, soon.

Cheers
Steve

 

[StarGazer]

As Mike W mentioned, I visited on Friday afternoon as promised, easier for me as I work in the centre of Oxford although work throwing a wobbly during the morning meant that I nearly didnt make it.

Unfortunately I missed the talks in the morning but had a great few hours in the afternoon watching the demos, having a go on just about everything. Had some great chats with much advice given. Being a little quieter I think there was more time for questins and having a go....some great demos from Deneb. Drooled over some of the festool stuff in the machine room and watched the leigh jig being used.....never seen one befor in the metal and couldnt work out how it worked, so great to see one being used.

As well as Mike W I met Tony (Escudo) on David C's bench. Sorry I missed the rest of you on the Saturday.

Ian L

 

[Aled Dafis]

Just got in. What a fantastic day! It was nice to meet up with the forum members at last.

I can't think of a particular hilight, the tool gloatage was pretty impressive as could be expected!! Some tools seemed unused and came straight out of their packaging :shock: :shock: (cough Trim cough :wink: ). The Holtey that Rod bought along was pretty special, as were so many other toyls.

Looking forward to the pics.

Cheers

Aled

 

[big soft moose]

It was an inspirational 10 mins. Or was is half an hour? Doesn't time fly?

it is a shame you have forgotten the cardinal rule that without photos it didnt happen in the case of this ddg swede :lol:

but the reall burning question is...... did you get her phone number

 

[Steve Maskery]

did you get her phone number

Yes, as it happens! But sadly I'm old enough to be her great grandfather, I should think. Pics tomorrow evening, I can't see right now.

I'm very happy that there are young people around who are passionate enough to carry on something - anything - that is as skilled and fundamentally useful to mankind as axe-making.

Just don't mess with the Axe-Lady.

S

 

[Harbo]

Could not get there until after lunch, when it was pretty quiet.
But well worth the trip despite Oxford's crappy Park & Ride maps!

Trim's got a lovely collection of BS stuff, still in their wood shaving boxes
and Aled's planes are very impressive.
Had a play with some LN saws - could not get to grips with the Progressive one though - may take a bit more practice?
Took some shavings with DC's Holtey 98? - very nice!

If they do it again, will get there earlier?

Rod

 

[Mr Ed]

Where are all the pictures?!

Ed

 

[big soft moose]

Where are all the pictures?!

Ed

clearly i didnt really happen - they just imagined it, particularly the DDG swedish lass ( i wont speculate on whether imagining swedish girls is connected to steves loss of sight )

 

[TrimTheKing]

Where are all the pictures?!

Ed

clearly i didnt really happen - they just imagined it, particularly the DDG swedish lass ( i wont speculate on whether imagining swedish girls is connected to steves loss of sight )

I saw her in the flesh and must admit after reading Steve's post I have concerns for the rapid deterioration of his vision!!!

She was nice, but we obviously have wildly differing views on the definition of DDG! :lol:

 

[woodbloke]

Where are all the pictures?!

Ed

clearly i didnt really happen - they just imagined it, particularly the DDG swedish lass ( i wont speculate on whether imagining swedish girls is connected to steves loss of sight )

I saw her in the flesh and must admit after reading Steve's post I have concerns for the rapid deterioration of his vision!!!

She was nice, but we obviously have wildly differing views on the definition of DDG! :lol:

I have a pic of SM, TL-N and the ax girlie...Mark, you clearly weren't paying attention, she was no more than eight feet from us most of the day :wink: :lol: - Rob

 

[Harbo]

Trim - when you get to a certain age?

Rob took some photos - I travelled light because of the parking situation but forgot my camera and badge!

Rod (I thought she looked nice too)

 

[wizer]

differing views on the definition of DDG! :lol:

I had my doubts


I must say chaps, not one pic, v.disappointing.....

 

[Doug B]

I took my camera, but struggled taking photos due to maiming my middle & index finger earlier in the week.

Well that`s my excuse, & i`m sticking to it.. :lol: :lol:

So i only have 4 worth posting & these aren`t brilliant

Mr Charlesworth sir

The UK Workshop bench.

Aled chatting to Rod (?) with Rob in the background & DDG in the far background with the ponytail.

Matthew (workshop heaven) getting a lesson from DC.

As i say not good photos, but a start, i`m sure there will be more.

 

[big soft moose]

She was nice, but we obviously have wildly differing views on the definition of DDG! :lol:

well steve got her phone number, so the obvious solution is to invite her to the ye olde kentish bashe so we can make a ye olde evaluation :lol:

 

[TrimTheKing]

you clearly weren't paying attention, she was no more than eight feet from us most of the day :wink: :lol: - Rob

I will await the photographic evidence and allow others to judge

I did say she was nice, no question of that, just questioned the DDG part

 

[Steve Maskery]

Rob on the UKW stand:

Julia on the Wetterlings stand:

Some fat geezer enjoying a perfectly fettled plane with David C

Martin Brown honing his wit on the Tormek:

Julia on the Wetterlings stand:

Robert Ingham sharing his work generously:

A gentlemen of taste who, having secured a contract to a gazillion pounds worth of business in Moscow is spending some of it on a 2-year subscription of British Woodworking, having bee seduced by the high-quality illustrations...

Nick and Mr X, with whom I had a very nice chat. If someone has a name for Mr X I'll gladly edit this post. Sorry Mr X.

Tom L-N inspecting one of his planes:

Julia on the Wetterlings stand:

Mr Sharp himself, Deneb Puchalski:

Aled and DougB:

Did I mention Julia on the Wetterlings stand?:

Drool tools:

Twas a good day. I just wish I'd attended the Chair lecture ](*,)
S

 

[woodbloke]

Rob on the UKW stand:

Julia on the Wetterlings stand:

Who is that grumpy looking sod?...not Julia btw


Feeling like death warmed up at present...whatever was lurking inside me over the last few days has been unleashed with a vengence today :evil:

What Steve has failed miserably to point out is that although the front aspect of Julia is delightful, a rotational view of 180deg is even better :shock: :lol:

Will submit my offerings later - Rob

 

[wizer]

hmm I tend to agree with Mark that DDG isn't quite the word. But from that pic.... I would!

 

[wizer]

Who is that grumpy looking sod?...not Julia btw

You look a bit bored Rob Nice signs BTW